Reliable Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold has named five players from Tottenham’s youth set-up that could be given opportunities under Jose Mourinho next season.
The Spurs boss has been criticised for not giving chances to youngsters, but has dismissed those claims by handing minutes to no less than four teenagers this term, as well as 20-year-old defender Japhet Tanganga, who has flourished since breaking into the first-team.
Mourinho’s two January signings in the shape of Gedson Fernandes and Steven Bergwijn have also echoed his intentions of continuing to build a young squad, who’re 21 and 22 respectively.
And Gold reckons that he is going to continuing the theme of bringing through youngsters next season.
Here are the five he excepts to feature in 2020-2021:
Malachi Fagan-Walcott
Less than two years after signing his first professional contract with Tottenham, the 18-year-old made his debut as a stoppage-time substitute against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in March.
Harvey White
White, who has been touted a free-kick specialist, has impressed for Spurs’ U23s side and also in the UEFA Youth League, but is yet to be involved in the first-team.
The 18-year-old did start in Friday’s in-house friendly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has regularly joined Mourinho’s side for training in recent months.
Dennis Cirkin
Another promising 18-year-old, Cirkin enjoyed a taste of senior action in January after he was named on the bench against Middlesbrough, although he didn’t feature.
George Marsh
At 21, it feels like a make-or-break campaign for Marsh, who is yet to add to his one Tottenham appearance that came in last seasons FA Cup third-round tie at Tranmere.
However, the midfielder will be buoyed on by his successful loan spell at Leyton Orient this season, in which he featured 29 times for the O’s to help them avoid relegation.
Troy Parrott
Needs no introduction to Spurs fans having made four appearances in all competitions this season, although it’s yet to work out in the first-team for Parrott.
The Republic of Ireland striker has been repeatedly told by Mourinho that he isn’t ready, but he can expect more opportunities next term – especially if the Tottenham boss fails to bring in a back-up striker for Harry Kane.
I for one am very excited by the crop of youngsters coming through the ranks at present.
If 1 or 2 make it big time(a la Hoddle, King,Kane, Perryman,Hughton) it will be very encouraging and positive.It is essential they are given their chance and soon.Having 9 subs with 5 permitted to come on in the last games of the season, will hopefully contribute more to their development.